Willian: I wanted to join Chelsea

Shakhtar Donetsk forward Willian has reiterated his desire to play in the Premier League and expressed regret that he did not manage to complete a move to Chelsea during the summer.

Scott Heavey/Getty ImagesWillian scored twice against Chelsea in this season's Champions League

Willian, 24, was courted by the Blues and Tottenham Hotspur before the last transfer window closed, and both clubs have been tipped to renew their interest in January, along with reigning Serie A champions Juventus.
He revealed in October that he still keeps in contact with Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas but it appears the Brazilian, who scored twice against Chelsea in the Champions League this season, appears to favour a switch to Stamford Bridge - having already come close to sealing a transfer.
He told ESPN Brazil: "My goal is to play for a bigger club in a high level league... If I tell you that I was happy [the Chelsea move fell through], I would be lying. My desire was there, with a €25million (£20.3 million) offer from a big club like Chelsea.
"I wanted to pack my things and go, but I can't do that as I am under contract. It shows how much Shakhtar like me and shows that I am doing a good job, which is why they wanted me to stay.
"I have tried to convince them many times to let me go. I know that Juventus and Chelsea have made offers to buy me and that motivates me a lot.
"The club know that I want to leave, everyone knows that. The president has told me that he'll let me go for €30million (£24.4 million) and my intention is to sign for a big club."
Willian's goals helped Shakhtar qualify for the Champions League last-16 at Chelsea's expense, with the Blues becoming the first Champions League holders to fail to progress from the group stage.